New community project brings together education, textiles and sustainability message to inspire the next generation.
On World Environment Day 2026, Roberts Group International (RGI) is delighted to announce the launch of an exciting new partnership project that will see students at Newton-Le-Willows based Hope Academy transform reclaimed textiles into original fashion pieces for a summer showcase student-led sustainability event.
Working alongside partners St Helens Council and local apparel manufacturing specialists Seamster & Shepherd, the initiative forms part of Hope Academy’s wider Hope for the Earth sustainability programme, giving students the opportunity to explore how unwanted textiles can be repurposed through creativity, design and practical skills development.
Over the coming weeks, more than 20 students will take part in a series of full-day workshops delivered by the expert team at Seamster & Shepherd, and supported by St Helens’ Recycling Engagement Team and RGI’s student community interns.
Through hands-on sessions, students will learn techniques including sewing, weaving and crochet while working with textiles sourced through RGI’s nationwide collection and sorting operations.
Bringing Circularity into the Classroom
The project began with RGI Director of Partnerships and Commercial Paul Roberts alongside Head of Marketing Lewis Webster visiting Hope Academy in St Helens to introduce students to the world of textile reuse and recycling, sharing insight into the importance of keeping valuable materials in circulation and reducing waste.
Students were then welcomed to RGI headquarters in Widnes, Cheshire, where they experienced textile sorting and processing first-hand before selecting materials that will be transformed into their final designs.
By connecting students directly with the journey of textiles, the project aims to demonstrate how materials that may once have been considered waste can be reimagined and given a new purpose.
Developing Skills Through Creativity
The workshops will provide students with practical experience in garment construction and textile crafts while encouraging them to think differently about sustainability and design.
The finished pieces will be showcased at the Hope for the Earth Sustainable Fashion Show in early July as part of the academy’s wider sustainability event, celebrating both the creativity of the students and the potential of textile reuse.
The collaboration brings together expertise from local government, education, textile reuse and garment manufacturing to create a unique learning opportunity that combines environmental awareness with hands-on skills development.
Partnership Perspectives
Paul Roberts, Director of Partnerships & Commercial at Roberts Group International, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to be launching this project alongside St Helens Council, Seamster & Shepherd and Hope Academy.
The idea of creating a sustainable fashion show using textiles that have been diverted from landfill is a fantastic way of bringing circularity to life for young people. It shows that materials often considered waste can be transformed into something new, creative and valuable.
Just as importantly, it gives students a platform to express themselves, develop practical design skills and showcase their talents. We hope the project inspires them to think differently about sustainability and, for some, may even spark an interest in future careers within fashion, design and the circular economy.”
Martin Kuchta, Co-Founder of Seamster & Shepherd, added:
“It’s fantastic to be working alongside Roberts Group International on a project that reflects our shared belief that there is value to be found in materials that might otherwise be overlooked.
Many of the techniques we’ll be teaching have become less common over time, so it’s incredibly rewarding to introduce these skills to a new generation. Young people have an important role to play in shaping a more sustainable future, and we’re excited to support the students as they develop their ideas and prepare for the showcase event.”
Looking Ahead
The Hope for the Earth Sustainable Fashion Show will take place in July, showcasing the students’ designs and highlighting how collaboration, creativity and textile reuse can come together to support a more sustainable future.
As organisations around the world mark World Environment Day, the project serves as a reminder that sustainability is not only about managing resources responsibly, but also about inspiring the next generation to see opportunity where others see waste.
Roberts Group International is proud to support initiatives that extend the life of textiles, engage local communities and help demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved through collaboration.
